John W. Howard, 90, of Vero Beach and Edgecomb, Maine, passed away on Sept. 17, 2015, from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and heart failure, which he combated with characteristic courage and dignity.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice Van Loon Howard; four children; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Howard grew up in Walpole, Mass., the son of the late Charles R. and Mildred J. Howard, and brother to the late Jean Howard Barr and Robert J. Howard. He graduated from Amherst College in 1949, after having served his country in WWII.
Howard was wounded in the German battle of the Hurtgen Forest, and spent more than a year in several hospitals. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and several other military distinctions.
He and Alice raised their children in Darien, Conn., where Howard was actively engaged as a coach and supporter for their children’s activities. Betsy, and her husband Tim White, John, Jr. and his wife Susan Clark, Doug, Mark and his wife Marion, along with grandchildren Allison and husband Grant Daley, Chris White, Katie White, John Howard III, Jack and Millie Howard, and great-grandchildren Grace and Charlie Daley, will greatly miss his mentorship.
Howard, who was known as “PJ” (Papa John) to his grandchildren and extended family, will be fondly remembered and deeply missed for his wisdom, kindness, sense of humor and keen insights. He has been the recognized patriarch of this clan, which had come to rely on his counsel and steady hand in all matters.
He was an entrepreneur and trail blazer in many regards. With his brother Bob and college friend Grant Holt, Howard founded Holt Howard Associates (HHA), which grew to be a pioneer in the export/import business of housewares during the post-war era. HHA changed the way America drinks coffee by introducing coffee mugs at a time when cups and saucers were the standard. Many Holt Howard products have become highly desirable collectibles due to their whimsical designs and bright colors.
Howard was also a published author, volunteer and tutor. After retirement he decided to chronicle his life so that his heirs and others might learn from and understand their history. Thus, “My Life’s Experiences: Soldier, Family Man, Entrepreneur” was born.
Determined to maintain self-development and pay it forward, he also lent his expertise to the Service Core of Retired Executives and provided English tutoring through the Literacy Services of Vero Beach.
Howard and Allie settled into Vero Beach about 10 years ago, after exploring Florida for the best retirement location. They took active part in the arts and culture available to the community and were members at Bent Pine Country Club.
Donations may be made in his memory to Visiting Nurses and Hospice Foundation of Vero Beach, FL, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960; www.vnatc.com Literacy Services of Indian River County, 1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, www.literacyservicesirc.org/home.
Services will be held next summer in Edgecomb, Maine. For more information, please contact: Cox Giffords Seawind Funeral Home at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
